Disclaimer: This story is intended for entertainment purposes. No money or sexual favors have been exchanged. Copyright Infringement is in no way intended.
Sharpay Evans took her time. Getting ready to go out was a process. There was make-up to do; blush, foundation, and glitter; a new pink outfit to choose; skirts, tops, and dresses. It was a wonder she ever left the mirror, but since her less than was always better than the average, being mediocre, she thought, would suffice. Sharpay also refused to walk fast. What occasion was there when she would need to? Life should be patient for a star like her. She had long exchanged walking for the inconvenient method of gliding. Sure she arrived everywhere drastically late, but a smooth glide across the floor provided an opportunity to show off the always perfectly polished nails and expensive shoes accompanying the short, blond woman. By the time she'd completed her stroll across the carpeted floor, steam was rising off of both of her best friends. Gabriella Montez and Taylor McKessie stood in the doorway of the apartment wearing similar expressions of irritation. Although, accustomed to Sharpays penchant for being tardy it never failed to annoy them. They went out to the same place every Friday, and Sharpay was the last one ready every time. Ladies night at the Blue Plate began at ten o'clock. It was nearing eleven.
"Gabriella," Sharpay whistled, "whose man are you stealing tonight? That dress is just over the legal limit for a walking siren…ouch girl!"
Gabriella just grinned. By day she worked as a real estate lawyer; settling disputes between tenants and landlords, neighbors against neighbor, and negotiating prices for property. Her wardrobe for work was a palate of gray to black, so, whenever club night rolled around she inserted as much color as possible. Tonight the petite brunette wore a skin clinging red dress that exposed just enough cleavage and leg to make men salivate. Her long hair hung just below her shoulders in beautiful shiny brown spirals; framing her lightly dusted face giving her a natural glow. For such a small woman, her body was perfectly structured with round curves that filled the dress deliciously. Sharpay was constantly wondering how a girl with Gabriella's looks remained single. Leaving the blue eyed boy behind in college had opened a void in Gabriella's life. Dating was the absolute last item on her mind at night. Both Sharpay and Taylor were intent on changing it.
"I won't be stealing water if it's closed when we get there, Diva," replied Gabi causing Taylor to chuckle.
"And don't think I can't see you Tay," Sharpay added, and opened the door leading the ladies out into the warm night. "That dress is missing a little fabric."
Taylor McKessie also worked in corporate America as an accountant filing taxes and managing funds for the wealthy residents of Albequerque. The smooth brown skinned woman had exchanged her navy power suit for a black tube dress and simple diamond necklace. Gabriella took another look at her friend and realized that Taylor was also sporting a new shade of bright red lipstick; she never wore lipstick.
"Chad must be working tonight," Gabriella accused watching the blush spread over Taylor. It was no secret Chad worked every night. He was the owner of the Blue Plate.
"Can't I just look nice?" Taylor responded in a pseudo shocked tone.
Chad Danforth was Taylor's boyfriend of two years. They had dated in high school, but separated to explore different lifestyles in college. After graduation they had both returned home. A chance meeting in the parlor of Albuquerque's ColdStone creamery had them sharing a scoop of Pistachio and old memories. A few more hangouts led to dates and then to slumber parties. It was rare to see one without the other. Gabriella and Sharpay were secretly planning the wedding already. Neither of the ladies wanted to be surprised by the bridesmaids' dresses. Most of their girl nights had ended with Taylor abandoning them in favor of the curly haired bar owner. Tonight would be no different. Chad often finished his night at the bar by scooping up his girl from her friends.
Per usual, the Blue Plate was packed in spectacular fashion. Albuquerque was so small that the entire young adult community flocked to Chad's hip bar to socialize on the weekends. Neon blue lights lined the windows giving the club an upscale vibe. Music made the entire establishment shake; people on the curb swayed as they waited. The girls made their way through the throng of patrons, pass the velvet rope, and into the VIP section. Sharpay, not one to wait for service, signaled a waiter to place an order for drinks. A tall, coffee skinned man made his way over to their booth. The nameplate on his shirt named him Zeke. Gabriella grinned as Sharpay smiled up at the creator of Blue Plate's Blue Wings. Zeke Baylor worked as a chef at his own bakery in town during the day. At night, he gladly replaced his pastries with Blue wings and ranch dressing. After much experimentation, he had come up with the bar's signature dish. He and Sharpay were more friends with benefits. Commitment was just too much for the budding actress and the in demand chef.
"HI, ladies," he boomed.
"Hello," they replied.
"Y'all are looking slamming," he complimented. "What are my chances," he continued grinning pointedly at the Barbie doll beside him.
"Depends on what you're offering," Sharpay cooed suggestively. Taylor excused herself from the booth in search of Chad. Gabriella unnoticed by either Shar or Zeke slipped out of the booth and onto the dance floor. Dancing was Gabriella's not so hidden passion. Friday night was not just for hanging with her girls, but also for releasing the stress of her jammed packed workload. Music spoke to her. The rhythm started in her feet and spread through her body. She seemed to float across the dance floor.
River blue eyes watched her from the dance floor. It had been a long time since he had seen her dance. She always looked so untamed. Her body was begging him to come over. Six years had done nothing to dissipate his appetite for her. His plan to wait and speak to her the next day was out of the window.